Canine pancreatitis | Pancreatitis in dogs

Pancreatitis in dogs.

Pancreatitis in dogs may be acute or chronic. Acute canine pancreatitis appears to be more common in obese, middle-aged bitches. Clinical signs include vomiting, anorexia, pain in the cranial abdomen, and the adoption of a prayer-like posture. The first signs of discomfort often follow the ingestion of a fatty meal. Diarrhea, which may be bloody, is sometimes present.

Radiologic signs of Pancreatitis in dogs

Pancreatitis in dogs causes an area of increased soft tissue opacity in the right cranial abdomen resulting from associated peritonitis. Normally the right cranial abdomen is relatively more radiopaque than the left, and care is necessary in evaluating this area.

Swelling of the pancreas in dogs causes the duodenum to be displaced toward the right and sometimes dorsally or ventrally, with the pylorus being displaced to the left. This may give the duodenum a C-shape appearance.

The duodenum shows reduced peristalsis with slow passage of barium through it. It may be dilated.

The duodenal wall may be thickened, with a static gas pattern.

The pyloric antrum may be displaced toward the left.

If the left lobe of the pancreas is involved, the transverse colon will be displaced caudally.
Granular mottling in the region of the pancreas has been reported, as have corrugation and spasticity of the duodenal wall.

- Hepatomegaly, resulting from fatty infiltration, is a common finding.

There may be a loss of serosal detail of the abdominal viscera well beyond the immediate area of the pancreas as a result of an associated peritonitis and effusion of fluid.

Changes associated with pancreatitis may be subtle in dogs, and a negative finding on ultrasonography does not rule out the presence of disease. Differentiation between pancreatitis and neoplasia in dogs (or localized peritonitis) is difficult. With inflammation a mixed echogenic mass, local epocheoic areas, or nodules are seen. The appearance varies with the stage of the disease. Biliary obstruction may also be present, with distention of the bile duct and gallbladder.

Pancreatic abscess has similar characteristics to other abscesses in dogs. Varying amounts of cavitation, fluid, and echogenic particulate material may be seen within the abscess. It can be a sequel to pancreatitis in dogs.

Canine pancreatitis diagnostic plan:

History
Physical examination
Blood work
Urinalysis
Abdominal X-Rays

Canine pancreatitis treatment:

fluid therapy
No oral medication or food
Antibacterial
Drugs to suppress vomiting

Canine pancreatitis dietary plan:

When resuming enteral nutrition, small portions of a diet low in fat and residue. After the initial episode, manage hyperlipidemia if necessary. We also recommend this natural balanced real-meat dog food and natural dietary supplement for recovery.


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